Samsung’s Galaxy Buds lineup has been around for a while now, and if you’re eyeing a pair of wireless earbuds, you’re probably stuck between the Galaxy Buds 2 and the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. On the surface, they look pretty similar—both are sleek, compact, and packed with features. But when you dig deeper, you start to see the differences, and let me tell you, they matter.
So, which one is actually worth your money? Is the Pro version really that much better, or are you just paying for an unnecessary upgrade? I’ve done my homework and found out all the details, and now it’s time for a brutally honest showdown between the two. Let’s break it down.
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Galaxy Buds 2 vs. Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: The Verdict
Look, if you’re trying to decide between the Galaxy Buds 2 and the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, let me save you some time:
If you’re trying to decide between the Galaxy Buds 2 and the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, here’s the deal: it depends on what you actually need from your earbuds. Let’s break it down category by category:
Sound Quality
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are the clear winners here. With 24-bit Hi-Fi audio, improved drivers, and better tuning, they offer richer, deeper, and more detailed sound. If you care about high-quality audio, the Pro version is worth it.
Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Samsung stepped up their game with the Buds 2 Pro, providing significantly better noise cancellation. They do an excellent job of blocking out external noise, while the Buds 2 offer only a decent level of ANC.
Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Comfort & Fit
The Buds 2 Pro are slightly smaller and have a more ergonomic fit, making them feel premium. However, the Buds 2 are lighter, which some might find more comfortable for extended wear. It really depends on personal preference.
Winner: Tie (depends on your ears!)
Battery Life
Both earbuds offer around 5 hours of battery life with ANC on and about 7.5 hours without it. However, in real-world usage, the Buds 2 seem to last a little longer, likely due to their less power-hungry features.
Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 (barely)
Let’s break it down category by category because, trust me, there’s a lot to talk about.
Galaxy Buds 2 vs. Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Detailed Comparison
Sound Quality
This is where the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro flex the hardest. Samsung didn’t hold back—they threw in 24-bit Hi-Fi audio, improved drivers, and better tuning, making everything sound richer, deeper, and just more. If you care about crisp vocals, deep bass, and an immersive soundstage, the Buds 2 Pro are in a league of their own.
The Buds 2? They’re fine. Good, even. But next to the Pro, they sound… basic. There’s still solid bass, clear mids, and decent highs, but the audio lacks that extra oomph. For casual listeners, it’s totally passable. For people who obsess over sound? Meh.
Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Both of these earbuds have ANC, but the difference is night and day. The Buds 2 Pro block out the world so much better. Samsung seriously upgraded their noise cancellation tech here, and you can actually feel the difference when you put them in. Plane noise? Gone. Chatty coworkers? Silenced. Existential dread? Okay, maybe not, but they do a damn good job.
The Buds 2 also have ANC, but it’s more like a polite suggestion rather than a full-on “shut up” button. It works fine for background noise, but if you’re expecting complete isolation, you’ll be disappointed.
Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Comfort & Fit
Here’s where things get interesting. The Buds 2 Pro are slightly smaller and have a more ergonomic fit, which makes them feel more premium. But the Buds 2? They’re lighter, and for some people, that actually makes them more comfortable for long periods.
If you’ve got smaller ears or just don’t want to feel like your earbuds are making a permanent home in your skull, the Buds 2 might be the better option.
Winner: Tie (depends on your ears!)
Battery Life
Samsung claims both of these have around 5 hours of battery life with ANC on, and around 7.5 hours without it. But in real-world usage? The Buds 2 seem to last just a tiny bit longer. Maybe it’s because they don’t have the power-hungry features of the Buds 2 Pro, but hey, if battery life is a concern, that’s something to consider.
Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 (barely)
Price
The Buds 2 are significantly cheaper, and unless you’re really into premium audio and top-tier noise cancellation, they’re the smarter buy. The Buds 2 Pro cost more because they offer more, but if you don’t actually need those extras, why spend the money?
Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 (best value)
Other Features (Water Resistance, 360 Audio, Etc.)
The Buds 2 Pro have better water resistance (IPX7 vs. IPX2 on the Buds 2), meaning they can handle more than just sweat. They also come with 360 Audio for a more immersive experience, which—if you actually use it—is a nice bonus.
The Buds 2? They work, they have the basics, but they’re not breaking any new ground.
Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Best Accessories or Alternatives for Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
If you’re considering either of these but want to check out some accessories or alternatives, here are some top picks:
1. Lingo N21 Open-Ear Bluetooth Headset
If you want something lightweight, open-ear, and designed for all-day comfort, the Lingo N21 is worth checking out.
Unlike in-ear buds, these don’t block out your surroundings, making them perfect for workouts, commuting, or just existing without complete audio isolation.
2. Samsung Wireless Charger Pad
Both of these earbuds support wireless charging, so having a dedicated pad makes life easier.
3. Sony WF-1000XM5 (Alternative High-End Earbuds)
If you’re open to another brand, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 are some of the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market.
Conclusion: Which Should You Buy?
So, what’s the move? If you want the best sound quality, noise cancellation, and premium features, go for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro—they’re worth it if you actually care about those things. But if you’re just looking for a good pair of everyday earbuds that won’t break the bank, the Galaxy Buds 2 are the smarter buy.
Either way, you’ll get solid Samsung integration, a comfortable fit, and a reliable audio experience. Just depends on whether you want the luxury version or the budget-friendly one. Choose wisely!
Yours truly,
S, XOXO
